Detained Koreans in Georgia expected to return home on voluntary basis: sources

Korean workers detained in an immigration raid in the United States are likely to return home voluntarily instead of facing deportation, diplomatic sources said Monday, as Seoul plans to send a chartered flight after consultations with Washington. More than 300 Korean nationals are being held at a detention center in Folkston, Georgia, following Thursday's raid at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site operated by a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution near Savannah. Korea's presidential office said Sunday a chartered plane will fly to the U.S. to bring them back home after completing consultations with Washington to resolve the matter. Seoul has been in talks with Washington to arrange the detained Koreans' return under voluntary departure, as deportation upon release could hinder their future travel to the United States by triggering stricter visa screening or even a travel ban. U.S. immigration authorities have reportedly given the detainees two options: accept deportation and take a five-year reentry ban, or remain in custody and stand trial. FWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times